'It's not perfect... but Tandy says Wales can still benefit from SA Test match

WALES head coach Steve Tandy has admitted Saturday's controversial autumn series finale against South Africa is 'far from perfect.

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But he is hoping both Wales and the four professional regions can make the best of a Test match that is stretching all of their squads.

The fixture against the Springboks is outside World Rugby's official Test window which means Wales have picked solely from Cardiff, Dragons, Ospreys and Scarlets, who all return to United Rugby Championship action themselves this weekend.

The South Africa game was initially agreed in 2018 and the extra fixture is slotted in by the Welsh Rugby Union to provide a financial boost for all levels of the game.

However, it leaves Tandy with a much-changed and inexperienced squad and has given the regional coaches serious selection problems.

The Wales boss, who was in charge of Ospreys between 2012 and 2018, is sympathetic to their plight.

"It's hard and I've been in those situations, but I think on the flipside it is surprising what you can find," said Tandy.

"It's far from perfect, and I know how tough it is and I am empathetic, but sometimes you can find a diamond.